The U.S. military says it plans to reduce troops in one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous valleys in order to focus on areas where it can have a greater impact.

The commander of U.S. forces in eastern Afghanistan, Major General John Campbell, says troops will begin pulling out from bases throughout the Pech Valley. The remote area near the Pakistani border was once a central part of the campaign against the Taliban and al-Qaida.

Campbell says the realigning of forces is designed to provide better security for the Afghan people. He said that currently, too many troops in the Pech Valley are tied up guarding small combat outposts.

Afghan officials have expressed reservations about the move, saying it will be difficult for Afghan forces to defend the area against insurgents on their own.

U.S. officials say the shifting of troops to more populated areas will be complete in several months.